Kitchen Cabinet Makers in Toronto
Cabinet making has a long and fascinating history throughout many parts of the world, and Ontario is no exception. In the early part of the 19th century, most Ontario villages with a population of more than 200 boasted a local cabinet maker. Depending on location, the cabinet maker’s duties varied, and may have included carriage building or even casket making. By the last decades of the century, however, most cabinet making businesses had consolidated in larger centres in the province such as London and Toronto, and these companies were shipping their furniture out to smaller towns by rail. In fact, by the end of the century, a few large businesses were selling furniture right across the country. These 19th-century Ontario craftsmen built cabinets the old-fashioned way, with skill and artistry, but they were limited by the tools of their era. Today’s new technologies have provided cabinet makers with access to greater precision, innovation, and efficiency, but for some, the old values of the craftsman remain. When you are looking for a kitchen cabinet maker in Toronto, be sure to find a company that places an emphasis on high quality work.
Built to Last
There are numerous renovators in the Greater Toronto Area; prices may vary greatly and the results may vary, too. Here are three pitfalls to avoid:
- That low estimate. Of course, we all like to get a bargain. But if you ask for estimates and one comes in much lower than the others, caveat emptor! You cannot get a $20,000 renovation for $10,000, and if a company promises you that you can, it’s likely that there will either be hidden costs that will appear during the course of the project, or that the materials and work will be substandard. There is always pay now or pay later and it is always cheaper and less of a headache when you pay a little more today. The best renovation is one that is done properly the first time; if you opt for the very low bid, you will probably end up paying in the end.
- That one-person show. Sometimes people decide to hire a contractor in a truck who may or may not have the skills to do the work or a company that does not have or does not care about their reputation in the marketplace. Even if the person is a good carpenter, delays often occur in these types of scenarios -- the person has other work commitments or the components from another source don’t arrive on schedule.
- That reno that lasts forever. Despite best efforts, stuff sometimes happens, and renovations can take longer than expected. But try to minimize the possibility of this by scheduling as accurately as possible and using a reliable company to build your cabinets. Work with a cabinet maker with years of experience and a good reputation for meeting deadlines. Ask about their renovation process and see how they minimize chances of delay. Do you order material upfront? Where do they store them? When is the last time they had a delay and why?
Peace of Mind
When you’re planning to renovate, do your homework, and work with a kitchen cabinet maker who adheres to the old-fashioned values of the craftsman. Make sure the company you choose offers an integrated process, with manufacturing in-house, and that they offer a good warranty. Check to ensure that the company is licensed and that they are fully insured.
Some things change, but good work endures. Visit a showroom today and learn more about kitchen cabinet makers in the Greater Toronto Area.